Letters to the Editor - March 22, 2013

Published: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 9:48 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 9:48 p.m.

On March 15, the state of Maryland struck down the death penalty, while in this region our esteemed state Sen. Thom Goolsby is seeking to overturn the Racial Justice Act through the legislature.

A tale of two states – one that has realized the errors of its previous ways and one that is bent on reversing all progressive gains that made people want to come to North Carolina and also be proud of this state.

The Racial Justice Act inception was verified by data and testimony.

Our legislators need to look at why our criminal justice system has perpetuated the need for the act rather than abolish it.

The eyes of the nation and the world are on North Carolina as we back-pedal on this matter, rather than move forward, tackling more pressing issues for our state.

Seventy-three North Carolina college professors from various disciplines concerned about this impending legislation made an accurate statement: “Our lawmakers should work to eliminate the role of race in the death penalty, rather than repealing the law that uncovered the problem.”

Listen to the sage advice of these learned individuals, Raleigh, before it is too late.

Deborah Dicks Maxwell, Wilmington

Stand back, Titan

Residents of Wilmington, It is time to ask Titan to respectfully stand back and let you all digest what is happening. If the company is truly good for the community, it would agree to this.

In turn, this would allow residents to really investigate and take a look at other cement towns as models.

We in Midlothian, Texas, were never allowed to discuss and have a voice. Today, the federal government is yet again in town and taking soil, air, water samples from sick families.

(Cement manufacturer) TXI was just given a permit to use asbestos as alternative fuel. Wilmington residents should be given the chance to vote on this: new business with new jobs vs. decline in human health, decrease in property value … and loss of wetlands/habitat.

Alexandra Allred, Midlothian, Texas

Voter ID made easy

Why not have the elected officials follow the requirements of the Help America Vote Act when challenging a person’s right to vote?

This act was passed during President George W. Bush’s administration.

This act allows a person to register to vote if this person shows one of the following: a driver’s license, a utility bill or a bank statement with name and address or a company I.D. badge.

If there is still some uncertainty, allow the person to cast a provisional ballot.

<p class="bold allcaps">A tale of two states</p>
<p>On March 15, the state of Maryland struck down the death penalty, while in this region our esteemed state Sen. Thom Goolsby is seeking to overturn the Racial Justice Act through the legislature.</p><p>A tale of two states – one that has realized the errors of its previous ways and one that is bent on reversing all progressive gains that made people want to come to North Carolina and also be proud of this state. </p><p>The Racial Justice Act inception was verified by data and testimony. </p><p>Our legislators need to look at why our criminal justice system has perpetuated the need for the act rather than abolish it. </p><p>The eyes of the nation and the world are on North Carolina as we back-pedal on this matter, rather than move forward, tackling more pressing issues for our state. </p><p>Seventy-three North Carolina college professors from various disciplines concerned about this impending legislation made an accurate statement: “Our lawmakers should work to eliminate the role of race in the death penalty, rather than repealing the law that uncovered the problem.”</p><p>Listen to the sage advice of these learned individuals, Raleigh, before it is too late.</p><p>Deborah Dicks Maxwell, Wilmington</p><h3>Stand back, Titan</h3>
<p>Residents of Wilmington, It is time to ask Titan to respectfully stand back and let you all digest what is happening. If the company is truly good for the community, it would agree to this. </p><p>In turn, this would allow residents to really investigate and take a look at other cement towns as models. </p><p>We in Midlothian, Texas, were never allowed to discuss and have a voice. Today, the federal government is yet again in town and taking soil, air, water samples from sick families.</p><p>(Cement manufacturer) TXI was just given a permit to use asbestos as alternative fuel. Wilmington residents should be given the chance to vote on this: new business with new jobs vs. decline in human health, decrease in property value … and loss of wetlands/habitat. </p><p>Alexandra Allred, Midlothian, Texas</p><h3>Voter ID made easy</h3>
<p>Why not have the elected officials follow the requirements of the Help America Vote Act when challenging a person's right to vote? </p><p>This act was passed during President George W. Bush's administration. </p><p>This act allows a person to register to vote if this person shows one of the following: a driver's license, a utility bill or a bank statement with name and address or a company I.D. badge.</p><p>If there is still some uncertainty, allow the person to cast a provisional ballot.</p><p>Jack Redmond, Boiling Spring Lakes</p>